Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAApublic contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2000NM48AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000NM48AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056.

Discussion

On December 23, 1999, the FAA issued AD 992710, amendment 39 11491 (65 FR 204, January 4, 2000), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300600 series airplanes, to require wiring modifications to the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fire detection system. That action was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent the fire warning from terminating prematurely, which could result in an unnoticed, uncontained engine/APU fire.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

Since the issuance of AD 992710, the FAA has received a report that the modification procedures, specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A310262024, Revision 04, dated March 5, 1999 (for Model A310 series airplanes) and A300266038, dated March 5, 1999, and Revision 1, dated September 8, 1999 (for Model A300600 series airplanes), were inadequate. Although those service bulletins were referenced as appropriate sources of information by AD 992710, operators reported that they were unable to accomplish the hookup procedures specified in those service bulletins. As a result, a later revision of French airworthiness directive 1999238286(B) R2, dated May 17, 2000, was issued, which references two new service bulletins that revise the modification procedures.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued the following service bulletins to replace the [[Page 47357]]
procedures specified in earlier revisions of the service bulletins, which were referenced in AD 992710.

The wiring modification procedures provided by these service bulletins include the use of new kits for the engine and APU fire detection system in relay box 282VU and the electronics rack 90VU. Procedures also specify new wiring modifications to the avionics compartment, which include the 20VU overhead panel, 282VU relay box, and 90VU electronics rack. After accomplishing the actions specified in those service bulletins, the manufacturer reports that it will no longer be necessary to manually disengage a faulty loop, and that the fire warning system will remain activated even if one loop becomes inoperative. The actions specified by the service bulletins are intended to significantly improve the airplane fire detection system.

The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999238286(B) R2, dated May 17, 2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 992710 to propose new wiring modifications for the engine and APU fire detection system. Such modifications include the use of new kits for the fire detection system in relay box 282VU and the electronics rack 90VU, changes to the configuration numbers and bundle part numbers for certain airplanes, and revisions to the hookup charts. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the applicable service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 113 Model A310 and A300600 series airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.

The actions that are proposed in this AD action would take approximately 26 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $484 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $230,972, or $2,044 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 3911491 (65 FR 204, January 4, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 2000NM48AD. Supersedes AD 992710, Amendment 3911491.

Applicability: Model A310 and A300600 series airplanes, certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus Modifications 06267 and 07340 have been accomplished during production.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by
[[Page 47358]]
this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the fire warning from terminating prematurely, which could result in an unnoticed, uncontained engine/auxiliary power unit (APU) fire, accomplish the following:
Modifications
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the wiring modifications for the engine and APU fire detection system in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A30026 6038, Revision 03, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model A300600 series airplanes); or A310262024, Revision 06, dated March 31, 2000 (for Model A310 series airplanes); as applicable.

Note 2: Accomplishment of the wiring modifications prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300266038, Revision 02, dated November 9, 1999, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in this AD.
Alternative Method of Compliance
(b)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM116.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 992710, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM116.
Special Flight Permits
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directive 1999238286(B) R2, dated May 17, 2000.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 0019265 Filed 8100; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 491013U

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Norman B. Martenson, Manager, International Branch, ANM116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056; telephone (425) 2272110; fax (425) 2271149.